A coffee enema is a form of hydrotherapy that works to stimulate the liver in order to increase detoxification. The process facilitates removal of a variety of toxins and free radicals from the bloodstream.
What do Coffee Enemas Do?
Coffee enemas are a long-standing part of the Gerson Method used to treat cancers. Because detoxification of the body helps keep all body systems running smoothly, coffee enemas may be effective for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disease.
According to Gerson’s studies, “caffeine enemas cause dilation of bile ducts, which facilitates excretion of toxic cancer breakdown products by the liver and dialysis of toxic products from blood across the colonic wall.” His therapy includes much more than just the coffee enema, but he does provide substantial evidence that it can be beneficial for detoxification.
How Does it Support Detoxification?
Coffee contains cafestol, which is a potent inducer of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the liver and small intestine. GST helps the liver break down toxins by facilitating the binding of glutathione to toxins in the bloodstream, rendering them water soluble. Additionally, the dilation of bile ducts further assists with detoxification.
Benefits of Coffee Enemas
Some of the benefits of coffee enemas include:
- Improve detoxification
- Relieve constipation
- Clear the colon
- Ease bloating
- Improve mood
- Increase energy
- Flush heavy metals, parasites, and candida
- Reduce inflammation
- Support liver health
- May help combat cancer
Risks of Coffee Enemas
As with most natural therapies, some risks are involved with the practice of coffee enemas. Most of the adverse reactions reported result from misuse of the enema or using a poor quality coffee. Some of these include: dehydration from too frequent enemas, inflammation of the colon from improper technique or equipment, burning of the colon from using hot coffee, and infection from improper cleaning and sterilization of supplies.
Precautions
- Talk to your physician before starting a new health and wellness routine.
- It is controversial whether enemas should be used during pregnancy. I personally do not recommend them unless you are under the direction of a physician. Be sure to discuss with your physician or midwife.
- Do not use more than daily, unless under the direction of a physician.
- Never use hot coffee in an enema. This can be painful and damaging.
- Do not force the enema tip in. Never force yourself to hold the enema longer than is comfortable.
- Never use an enema bag as a douche bag.
- Always use high quality, organic coffee.
How to Do a Coffee Enema
Supplies
- High quality, organic coffee
- French press
- Old bath towel
- Pillows for comfort
- Enema bag
- Lubrication oil
- Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning
Preparation
- Boil about 1 quart of purified water. Add 3 rounded tablespoons coffee and boil for five minutes. Turn the stove off.
- Place in a French press and allow to steep until coffee is cooled to body temperature or cooler.
- Lay an old towel on the bathroom floor. Use a pillow or additional towels to support your head.
- Firmly attach the enema attachment to the enema bag.
- Close the clamp on the enema hose. Pour coffee into the enema bag avoiding adding coffee grounds. Do not use a paper filter to strain grounds. While holding enema tip over the sink, gently loosen the clamp and purge any air in the tubing by allowing a small amount of coffee to run through. Clamp again.
- Hang the enema bag from a towel rack or another object at least 2 feet off the ground. Do not hang from the shower curtain rod.
Application
- Lie down on your right side and gently insert the catheter into your anus. Do not lay on the left side as this increases the risk of caffeine toxicity. If you need lubrication, any plant oil will work. (Petrolatum products are discouraged.)
- Gently insert the tube into the rectum a few inches and then release the clamp. Allow 2 cups of coffee flow in. Clamp the tubing at the slightest amount of discomfort or fullness.
- Retain the enema for up to 12-15 minutes, or as long as you can hold it. If you feel the immediate need to go, that’s okay. Never retain the enema for longer than is comfortable. Go to the toilet.
- Repeat steps 8 and 9 to use the remaining 2 cups of coffee.
- When finished, rinse the enema bag and tubing with hot water. Periodically clean enema bag and tubing with boiling water and hydrogen peroxide.
What Should I Do After My Coffee Enema?
Follow your coffee enema with organic juice and plenty of fresh water to replace electrolytes and encourage detoxification and cleansing. Remember, cleansing and nutrition go together. Focusing on eating plenty of plant based foods will further promote detoxification and overall wellness.
